Liquid pack and its manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a liquid pack which enables reduction of a residual ink in a spout compared to conventional liquid packs, and to provide a manufacturing method of the liquid pack.SOLUTION: A liquid pack includes: a pouch in which a liquid is stored; and a spout connected to one end portion as seen in a predetermined direction of the pouch and having a passage in which the liquid flows. The pouch has: a liquid storage chamber in which the liquid is stored and which communicates with the passage of the spout; a sealing part which seals a periphery of the liquid storage chamber; and a liquid non-storage chamber which is located isolated from the spout by the liquid storage chamber and the sealing part and in which the liquid is not stored.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid pack for storing liquid and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ink packs having an ink-unfilled region have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the ink pack of Patent Document 1, a bag body is divided into two by a partition-like seal. An ink extraction member (spout) is welded to the opening of the bag body while inserted inside the bag body. The ink-unfilled region and the ink-filled region (region of the bag body excluding the ink-unfilled region) are arranged side by side in order of proximity to the ink extraction member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-172918 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the ink pack of Patent Document 1 is used in a mechanism that squeezes out ink, such as a winding mechanism, the ink remaining in the ink delivery member needs to be reduced, which poses a problem. In other words, the ratio of ink loss to the capacity of the ink pack pouch is high.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquid pack that can reduce the amount of ink remaining in the spout compared to conventional methods, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The liquid pack of the present invention comprises a pouch in which liquid is stored, and a spout connected to one end portion of the pouch in a predetermined direction and having a flow path through which the liquid flows, the pouch having a liquid storage chamber in which the liquid is stored and which is connected to the flow path of the spout, a sealing portion which seals the periphery of the liquid storage chamber, and a liquid non-storage chamber in which the liquid is not stored and which is separated from the spout by the liquid storage chamber and the sealing portion.

[0007] According to the present invention, the non-liquid storage chamber is provided, so the capacity can be reduced without changing the outer shape of the pouch. Furthermore, the non-liquid storage chamber is located away from the spout by the liquid storage chamber and the sealing portion. This eliminates the need to go through the non-ink storage chamber when connecting the spout to the liquid storage chamber, as in the past. This allows for a reduction in the amount of ink remaining in the spout when squeezing out the ink using a winding mechanism or the like. This reduces ink loss, making it more economical. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid pack that can reduce the amount of ink remaining in the spout compared to conventional methods, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing a cartridge case into which the liquid pack of FIG. 1 is attached. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover portion of the cartridge case of FIG. 2 is removed. FIG. [Figure 4] 10(A) and 10(B) are cross-sectional views showing the procedure for attaching the liquid pack to the cartridge case. [Figure 5] 5(A) and 5(B) are cross-sectional views showing the procedure for attaching the liquid pack to the cartridge case, following FIG. 4(B). [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the liquid pack of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a liquid pack. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a liquid pack. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a liquid pack. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a liquid pack. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a liquid pack. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a liquid pack. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a liquid pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A liquid pack and a method for manufacturing the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid pack and the method for manufacturing the same described below are merely one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0011] (First embodiment) The liquid pack contained in the cartridge case will be described first, followed by a description of the cartridge case. The cartridge case of this embodiment can be attached to the printer disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6183274, for example.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid pack 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, directions that are perpendicular to one another are the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction. The longitudinal direction corresponds to a predetermined direction, and is the direction in which a pouch 101 of the liquid pack 100 extends. In the longitudinal direction, the side of a spout 102 (described below) is the front, and the opposite side is the rear. In the width direction, the right side as viewed from the spout 102 is the right side, and the opposite side is the left side.

[0013] 1, liquid pack 100 includes pouch 101, which is formed in an elongated shape and stores a liquid such as ink, and spout 102 connected to one longitudinal end 101a of pouch 101. The other longitudinal end 101b of pouch 101 is tapered toward the rear, and specifically is formed in, for example, a trapezoidal shape in plan view.

[0014] Pouch 101 is formed into a bag shape by, for example, partially welding two flexible films F1 and F2. Such pouch 101 has a liquid storage chamber 103, a non-liquid storage chamber 104, and a sealing portion 105. A liquid, such as ink, is stored in liquid storage chamber 103. Liquid storage chamber 103 communicates with one end of flow path 102a of spout 102. The other end of flow path 102a of spout 102 communicates with the outside, and liquid is filled into liquid storage chamber 103 via flow path 102. Furthermore, non-liquid storage chamber 104 is a closed space, and is a chamber in which no liquid is stored. In this embodiment, non-liquid storage chamber 104 is located and separated from spout 102 by liquid storage chamber 103 and sealing portion 105.

[0015] Examples of ink that can be stored in the liquid storage chamber 103 of the pouch 101 include normal ink (ink that does not require light blocking) and photocurable ink (ink that requires light blocking). When photocurable ink is stored in the liquid storage chamber 103, at least the portion of the pouch 101 that corresponds to the liquid storage chamber 103 is formed from a light-blocking film.

[0016] Sealing portion 105 is formed by heat welding two films F1 and F2 together, and seals the periphery of liquid storage chamber 103 and non-liquid storage chamber 104. Liquid storage chamber 103 and non-liquid storage chamber 104 are separated by partition portion 105A that forms part of sealing portion 105. In other words, partition portion 105A of sealing portion 105 is located between one end 101a and the other end 101b of pouch 101 in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101.

[0017] A method for forming liquid storage chamber 103 and liquid non-storage chamber 104 will be described. First, the peripheral portions SP of two long films F1 and F2 are heat-sealed to form sealed portion 105, forming bag-shaped pouch 101 having opening H1 communicating with the outside at one longitudinal end 101a of pouch 101. In this state, spout 102 is attached to opening H1 of pouch 101 by heat welding. As a result, partitioned chamber 106 is formed within pouch 101 by sealed portion 105 and spout 102. Then, partition portion 105A is formed by partially welding two films F1 and F2 together so as to partition partitioned chamber 106 into liquid storage chamber 103 at one longitudinal end 101a of pouch 101 and liquid non-storage chamber 104 at the other longitudinal end 101b. As a result, liquid storage chamber 103 is disposed on one end 101a side of pouch 101 relative to partition 105A, and liquid non-storage chamber 104 is disposed on the other end 101b side of pouch 101.

[0018] 1 shows an example in which divider 105A is disposed at the center of pouch 101 in the longitudinal direction, but this is not limiting, and as described above, divider 105A may be located between one end 101a and the other end 101b of pouch 101 in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101. For example, divider 105A may be located between one end 101a and the other end 101b of pouch 101 and closer to end 101a, or between one end 101a and the other end 101b of pouch 101 and closer to end 101b. Furthermore, divider 105A extends parallel to the width direction. Divider 105A is formed linearly.

[0019] Pouch 101 is provided with air hole 107 that connects liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 with the outside. Air hole 107 is formed, for example, in a circular shape, and is a hole that penetrates pouch 101 in the thickness direction. Note that air hole 107 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be formed in other shapes, for example, an elliptical shape. Air hole 107 is located, for example, in the center of liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 in the width direction.

[0020] Spout 102 is formed in a tubular shape using, for example, a resin material, and has a flow path 102a that connects liquid storage chamber 103 to the outside. Spout 102 protrudes from the front outer edge of pouch 101 and has a positioning portion 102b that is used to position spout 102 relative to cartridge case 200, which will be described later.

[0021] Next, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a cartridge case 200 into which the liquid pack 100 of Fig. 1 is attached. Also, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the cartridge case 200 of Fig. 2 with the lid 202 removed.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, cartridge case 200 of this embodiment includes long case main body 201 extending in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of pouch 101, and long lid 202 located above case main body 201 so as to cover case main body 201. As shown in FIG. 3, cartridge case 200 also includes a winding mechanism 210 having a winding roller 203 extending in the width direction, and a pair of spout support members 206. The width dimension of winding roller 203 is approximately the same as the width dimension of pouch 101. In addition to winding roller 203, winding mechanism 210 also includes a roller shaft 203a (FIG. 4) and a leaf spring 207 (FIG. 4) connected to winding roller 203, which will be described in detail later. The left end of roller shaft 203a protrudes outward from the left end of winding roller 203, and the right end of roller shaft 203a protrudes outward from the right end of winding roller 203. Furthermore, the above-mentioned winding mechanism 210 is an example of an extrusion mechanism that applies force to the liquid storage chamber 103 to extrude the liquid, and in addition to the winding mechanism 210, a configuration may be adopted in which the pouch 101 is clamped between one roller and the other roller of a pair of rollers, and the liquid in the pouch 101 is extruded by this pair of rollers.

[0023] 2, a spout support part 206 to which spout 102 is attached is provided at the front end of case main body 201. Liquid pack 100 is supported by case main body 201 with spout 102 attached to spout support part 206.

[0024] The lid 202 is formed in a concave shape with an open bottom. The lid 202 has an elongated top plate 202a and outer wall portions 202b and 202c that protrude downward from the right and left ends of the top plate 202a in the width direction. The lid 202 also has inner wall portions (not shown) that protrude downward from the inside of the outer wall portions 202c on both sides.

[0025] Meanwhile, case body 201 is formed in a concave shape with an open top. Case body 201 has an elongated bottom plate 201a and wall portions 201b and 201c that protrude upward from the right and left ends of bottom plate 201a in the width direction. In this configuration, when lid 202 is positioned above case body 201, wall 201b of case body 201 is disposed between outer wall 202b of lid 202 and one of the inner walls, and wall 201c of case body 201 is disposed between outer wall 202c of lid 202 and the other inner wall. In this state, lid 202 is slidable in the front-rear direction relative to case body 201. As a result, when attaching liquid pack 100 to cartridge case 200, lid 202 can be slid rearward to open the top of case body 201.

[0026] When attaching the liquid pack 100 to the cartridge case 200, the take-up roller 203 is moved to the rear of the liquid pack 100 as shown in Figure 3. The procedure for attaching the liquid pack 100 to the cartridge case 200 will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 4(A), (B) and 5(A), (B) are cross-sectional views showing the procedure for attaching the liquid pack 100 to the cartridge case 200. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the front end of the leaf spring 207 of the winding mechanism 210 is fixed at a predetermined position at the front of the bottom plate 201a of the case main body 201. Also, as shown in the same figure, the rear end of the leaf spring 207 is fixed to the winding roller 203. The leaf spring 207 is configured to generate a biasing force forward in the longitudinal direction. As a result, when the winding roller 203 is moved rearward as shown in FIG. 4(B), the leaf spring 207 is stretched in the front-to-rear direction.

[0028] 4(A), pressing portions 204 are provided on both sides in the width direction at the front of the inner surface of top plate portion 202a of lid portion 202. Each pressing portion 204 is provided to protrude downward to a height position lower than the top of take-up roller 203. In this configuration, because leaf spring 207 is biased forward as described above, take-up roller 203 abuts against each pressing portion 204 when liquid pack 100 is not attached.

[0029] In a side view of the cartridge case 200, the roller shaft 203a is connected to the center of the take-up roller 203. The right end of the roller shaft 203a moves in the front-to-rear direction along one of the movement paths 205 formed by the one of the inner wall portions of the lid portion 202 and the wall portion 201b of the case main body portion 201. Similarly, the left end of the roller shaft 203a moves in the front-to-rear direction along the other of the movement paths 205 formed by the one of the inner wall portions of the lid portion 202 and the wall portion 201c of the case main body portion 201. This allows the take-up roller 203 to move in the front-to-rear direction. Note that the movement path 205 is only shown in FIG. 4(A) and is not shown in FIG. 4(B) and FIGS. 5(A) and (B).

[0030] The next step in Figure 4(A) is as follows. As shown in Figure 4(B), lid portion 202 is slid rearward relative to case body portion 201. This causes each pressing portion 204 to move take-up roller 203 rearward along movement path 205. In this case, take-up roller 203 moves until it abuts against the inner surface of rear wall portion 202d of case body portion 201. At this time, in Figure 4(B), leaf spring 207 is positioned in a state where it is stretched in the front-to-rear direction.

[0031] The next step after Figure 4(B) is as follows. As shown in Figure 5(A), liquid pack 100 is placed on case main body 201 from above, and spout 102 is attached to a pair of spout support portions 206. In this case, the right end of positioning portion 102b of spout 102 is engaged with the right spout support portion 206, and the left end of positioning portion 102b is engaged with the left spout support portion 206. This secures liquid pack 100 to case main body 201. Note that the method of attaching spout 102 is not limited to the above, and various attachment methods can be used.

[0032] The next step in Figure 5(A) is as follows. As shown in Figure 5(B), lid portion 202 is moved forward relative to case body portion 201 to close case body portion 201. At this time, as lid portion 202 moves forward, each pressing portion 204 moves forward. This releases the pressure on take-up roller 203 from each pressing portion 204, and take-up roller 203 starts to move forward while rotating around roller shaft 203a due to the biasing force of leaf spring 207.

[0033] When take-up roller 203 takes up the portion of pouch 101 where liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 is formed, air within liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 is released to the outside through air hole 107. This enables take-up roller 203 to take up the portion of pouch 101 where liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 is formed. Thereafter, take-up roller 203 comes into contact with the portion of pouch 101 where liquid reservoir chamber 103 is formed and stops. In other words, when liquid pack 100 is attached to cartridge case 200, pouch 101 comes into contact with take-up mechanism 210, which serves as an extrusion mechanism. Thereafter, as the thickness of pouch 101 becomes thinner due to the liquid being discharged from liquid reservoir chamber 103 to the outside, take-up roller 203 moves forward by the biasing force of leaf spring 207 while taking up the portion of pouch 101 where liquid reservoir chamber 103 is formed. In the above-described manner, pouch 101 is wound up. In this embodiment, leaf spring 207 is used, but instead of leaf spring 207, a configuration in which a motor generates power to wind up pouch 101 can also be adopted.

[0034] Figure 6 is a plan view showing liquid pack 100 of Figure 1. In this embodiment, air holes 107 may be arranged as follows. As shown in Figure 6, air holes 107 are arranged in region HR that extends from divider 105A toward other end 101b of pouch 101 to a distance equal to the diameter of take-up roller 203. Note that in Figure 6, two or more air holes 107 may be provided at equal intervals across the width of pouch 101, i.e., along the extension direction of take-up roller 203.

[0035] As described above, according to this embodiment, the non-liquid storage chamber 104 is provided in the pouch 101, so that the capacity can be reduced without changing the external shape of the existing pouch 101. Furthermore, the non-liquid storage chamber 104 is positioned away from the spout 102 by the liquid storage chamber 103 and the sealing portion 105. As a result, when connecting the spout 102 to the liquid storage chamber 103, the non-liquid storage chamber 104 is not passed through, as in the past, and therefore the amount of liquid remaining in the spout 102 when the liquid is squeezed out by the winding mechanism 210 can be reduced compared to the past. This reduces the amount of lost liquid (lost ink), which is therefore economical.

[0036] In this embodiment, liquid storage chamber 103 is arranged on one end 101a side of pouch 101 with respect to partition portion 105A, and non-liquid storage chamber 104 is arranged on the other end 101b side of pouch 101. With this configuration, non-liquid storage chamber 104 can be easily isolated from spout 102.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, pouch 101 is provided with air hole 107 that connects liquid non-storage chamber 104 to the outside. This allows air inside liquid non-storage chamber 104 to be released to the outside when the portion of pouch 101 that corresponds to liquid non-storage chamber 104 is taken up by take-up roller 203. This reduces the winding load on take-up roller 203 when taking up the portion of pouch 101 that corresponds to liquid non-storage chamber 104 by take-up roller 203, thereby making it easier to take up.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the liquid pack 100 is attached to the cartridge case 200, the pouch 101 comes into contact with the winding roller 203 of the winding mechanism 210. This makes it easier for the winding roller 203 to wind up the pouch 101, and therefore makes it easier to push out the liquid inside the pouch 101.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, air hole 107 is arranged in region HR extending from partition 105A toward other end 101b of pouch 101 up to the diameter of take-up roller 203. By arranging air hole 107 as close to partition 105A as possible in this way, it is possible to prevent air hole 107 from being blocked by the already taken-up portion when pouch 101 is taken up by take-up roller 203. This makes it possible to efficiently release air from within liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 through air hole 107 when pouch 101 is taken up by take-up roller 203.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spout 102 has the positioning portion 102b, which makes it easier to position the liquid pack 100 relative to the cartridge case 200.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, divider 105A extends parallel to the width direction of pouch 101. This makes it easier for pressure generated near divider 105A (near the liquid storage chamber 103 side of divider 105A) when pouch 101 is dropped to be dispersed in the extension direction of divider 105A, thereby making pouch 101 less likely to tear.

[0042] (Second embodiment) Next, a liquid pack 100A of a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the liquid pack 100A of the second embodiment. Note that the liquid pack 100A of the second embodiment and each of the liquid packs of the third and subsequent embodiments described below are the same as the liquid pack 100A of the first embodiment except for the shape of the divider and the arrangement of the air holes. Therefore, in the following embodiments, only the differences from the liquid pack 100 of the first embodiment will be described, with some exceptions.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, similar to the first embodiment, a liquid storage chamber 103 is arranged on one end 101a side of the pouch 101, and a partition section 105B is provided so that a liquid non-storage chamber 104 is arranged on the other end 101b side of the pouch 101.

[0044] Divider 105B is formed in a straight line like divider 105A in the first embodiment, but in this embodiment it is formed so as to intersect with the width direction. That is, divider 105B has a portion KB that intersects with roller shaft 203a when liquid pack 100A is attached to cartridge case 200. In this embodiment, the entire divider 105B corresponds to the above-mentioned portion KB.

[0045] The partition 105B is disposed obliquely in a plan view so that the left end of the partition 105B is located further rearward than the right end. However, the shape of the partition 105B is not limited to the above, and the partition 105B may be disposed obliquely in a plan view so that the right end of the partition 105B is located further rearward than the left end.

[0046] Air hole 107 is located closer to the right end, which is the front end of partition part 105B, than to the left end, which is the rear end of partition part 105B. Note that, as described above, when partition part 105B is positioned obliquely so that its right end is located further rearward than its left end, air hole 107 is located closer to the left end of partition part 105B than to the right end.

[0047] Like the liquid pack 100 of the first embodiment, the liquid pack 100A of this embodiment also allows the volume to be reduced without changing the external shape of the pouch 101 from the existing one, and also reduces the amount of lost liquid (lost ink).

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition 105B is disposed obliquely in a plan view. That is, the partition 105B is disposed so as to intersect with the extension direction of the winding roller 203. This reduces the contact area of ​​the partition 105B with the winding roller 203 in the width direction. This allows the load imposed by the partition 105B on the winding roller 203 to be relatively small, thereby facilitating the winding of the pouch 101 by the winding roller 203. Furthermore, during winding by the winding roller 203, air within the liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 tends to concentrate near the air hole 107, which makes it easier for the air to be released to the outside through the air hole 107. This improves the ability to release air within the liquid non-reservoir chamber 104. Furthermore, since only one air hole 107 is required, the number of hole-making steps can be reduced.

[0049] (Third embodiment) Next, a liquid pack 100B according to a third embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a plan view showing liquid pack 100B according to the third embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a partition section 105C is provided so that a liquid storage chamber 103 is arranged on one end 101a side of the pouch 101 and a liquid non-storage chamber 104 is arranged on the other end 101b side of the pouch 101.

[0051] The pouch 101 has a plane HS parallel to the longitudinal direction. The divider 105C is formed in a V-shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane HS. The divider 105C has end portions TB1 and TB2 on both sides in the width direction of the pouch 101, and a sharp portion SB sandwiched between one end portion TB1 and the other end portion TB2 in the width direction. The divider 105C is formed in a V-shape so that the sharp portion SB is closer to one end 101a of the pouch 101 in the longitudinal direction than the end portions TB1 and TB2. In this embodiment, the entire divider 105C corresponds to the above-mentioned portion KB.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8, air hole 107 is disposed near sharp tip SB of divider 105C. Specifically, air hole 107 is disposed between one end T1 and the other end T2 of divider 105C in the width direction of pouch 101. More specifically, air hole 107 is disposed at the center of pouch 101 in the width direction. Air hole 107 is also disposed between ends TB1, TB2 of divider 105C and sharp tip SB in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101.

[0053] Like the liquid pack 100 of the first embodiment, the liquid pack 100B of this embodiment also allows the volume to be reduced without changing the external shape of the pouch 101 from the existing one, and also reduces the amount of lost liquid (lost ink).

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, because partition 105C is formed in a V shape, the load exerted by partition 105C on take-up roller 203 can be made uniform in the width direction, and therefore pouch 101 is less likely to be twisted when taken up by take-up roller 203. Furthermore, during take-up by take-up roller 203, air within liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 tends to concentrate near air hole 107, making it easier for the air to be released to the outside through air hole 107. This improves the ability to release air within liquid non-reservoir chamber 104. Furthermore, because only one air hole 107 is required, the number of hole-making steps can be reduced.

[0055] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a liquid pack 100C according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a plan view showing a liquid pack 100C according to the fourth embodiment.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a partition section 105D is provided so that a liquid storage chamber 103 is arranged on one end 101a side of the pouch 101 and a liquid non-storage chamber 104 is arranged on the other end 101b side of the pouch 101.

[0057] Like the divider 105C of the third embodiment, the divider 105D is V-shaped when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane HS. The divider 105D has two widthwise ends TB1 and TB2 of the pouch 101, and a sharpened portion SB sandwiched between the widthwise ends TB1 and TB2. Unlike the third embodiment, the divider 105C of this embodiment is V-shaped so that the sharpened portion SB is closer to the other end 101b of the pouch 101 in the longitudinal direction than the ends TB1 and TB2. In this embodiment, the entire divider 105D corresponds to the portion KB described above.

[0058] In this embodiment, two air holes 107 are provided. As shown in FIG. 9, air holes 107 include air hole 107a (corresponding to the one-side air hole) located near one end TB1 of divider 105D and air hole 107b (corresponding to the other-side air hole) located near the other end TB2. Air hole 107a is located closer to end TB1 than sharp tip SB of divider 105D in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101. Air hole 107a is located closer to end TB1 than sharp tip SB of divider 105D in the width direction of pouch 101. Air hole 107b is located closer to end TB2 than sharp tip SB of divider 105D in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101. Air hole 107b is located closer to end TB2 than sharp tip SB of divider 105D in the width direction of pouch 101.

[0059] Like the liquid pack 100 of the first embodiment, the liquid pack 100C of this embodiment allows the volume to be reduced without changing the external shape of the pouch 101 from the existing one, and also reduces the amount of lost liquid (lost ink).

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, because divider 105D is formed in a V-shape, the load exerted by divider 105C on take-up roller 203 can be made uniform in the width direction, and therefore pouch 101 is less likely to be twisted when taken up by take-up roller 203. Furthermore, during take-up by take-up roller 203, air within liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 tends to concentrate near air holes 107a and 107b, and the air is more likely to be released to the outside through air holes 107a and 107b. This improves the ability to release air within liquid non-reservoir chamber 104. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the widthwise central portion of divider 105D where pressure generated when pouch 101 is dropped tends to be high, the pressure is more likely to be dispersed to both sides in the width direction, and therefore pouch 101 is less likely to tear.

[0061] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a liquid pack 100D according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a plan view showing liquid pack 100D according to the fifth embodiment.

[0062] Liquid pack 100D of this embodiment includes liquid storage chamber 103 and liquid non-storage chamber 104 including first liquid non-storage chamber 104a and second liquid non-storage chamber 104b. Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, liquid storage chamber 103 is not located on one end 101a side of pouch 101, and liquid non-storage chamber 104 is not located on the other end 101b side of pouch 101. This will be explained in detail below.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10, liquid pack 100D is provided with divider 105E and divider 105F. Divider 105E is provided to the right of divider 105F and has an extending portion 110 that extends in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101 and an oblique portion 111. The rear end of oblique portion 111 is connected to the front end of extending portion 110, and the front end of oblique portion 111 is connected to the right-hand sealing portion 105. Meanwhile, divider 105F has an extending portion 112 that extends in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101 and an oblique portion 113. The rear end of oblique portion 113 is connected to the front end of extending portion 112, and the front end of oblique portion 113 is connected to the left-hand sealing portion 105. In such a configuration, the extension portion 110 of the partition portion 105E is positioned at a predetermined distance from the widthwise center of the pouch 101, and the extension portion 112 of the partition portion 105F is also positioned at a distance equal to the predetermined distance from the widthwise center of the pouch 101.

[0064] The first liquid non-storage chamber 104a is formed by the sealing portion 105 and the above-mentioned partition portion 105E. The second liquid non-storage chamber 104b is formed by the sealing portion 105 and the above-mentioned partition portion 105F. Furthermore, the liquid storage chamber 103 has a portion 103a sandwiched between the first liquid non-storage chamber 104a and the second liquid non-storage chamber 104b. As a result, the first liquid non-storage chamber 104a has a portion 104c located alongside the above-mentioned portion 103a of the liquid storage chamber 103 and the second liquid non-storage chamber 104b in the width direction of the pouch 101. Furthermore, the second liquid non-storage chamber 104b has a portion 104d located alongside the above-mentioned portion 104c of the first liquid non-storage chamber 104a and the above-mentioned portion 103a of the liquid storage chamber 103 in the width direction of the pouch 101. The portion 103a of the liquid storage chamber 103 is positioned alongside the portion 104c of the first liquid non-storage chamber 104a and the portion 104d of the second liquid non-storage chamber 104b in the width direction of the pouch 101.

[0065] 10 , air hole 107 includes air hole 107a located near diagonal portion 111 of divider 105E and air hole 107b located near diagonal portion 113 of divider 105F. Air hole 107a is located in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101, for example, at the intersection of extending portion 110 and diagonal portion 111 of divider 105E. Air hole 107a is located in the width direction of pouch 101, for example, between extending portion 110 and the front end of diagonal portion 111 of divider 105E. Air hole 107b is located in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101, for example, at the intersection of extending portion 112 and diagonal portion 113 of divider 105F. Air hole 107b is disposed in the width direction of pouch 101, for example, between extending portion 112 and the front end of diagonal portion 113 of divider 105F.

[0066] Like the liquid pack 100 of the first embodiment, the liquid pack 100D of this embodiment also allows the volume to be reduced without changing the external shape of the pouch 101 from the existing one, and also reduces the amount of lost liquid (lost ink).

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load exerted by the partitions 105E and 105F on the winding roller 203 can be made uniform in the width direction, and therefore the pouch 101 is less likely to twist when wound by the winding roller 203. Furthermore, during winding by the winding roller 203, air in the first liquid non-reservoir chamber 104a tends to concentrate near the air hole 107a, and air in the second liquid non-reservoir chamber 104b tends to concentrate near the air hole 107b. This makes it easier for air to be released to the outside through the air holes 107a and 107b. This improves the efficiency of releasing air from the first liquid non-reservoir chamber 104a and the second liquid non-reservoir chamber 104b.

[0068] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a liquid pack 100E according to a sixth embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a plan view showing a liquid pack 100E according to the sixth embodiment.

[0069] Liquid pack 100E of this embodiment is equipped with liquid storage chamber 103 and liquid non-storage chamber 104 including first liquid non-storage chamber 104a and second liquid non-storage chamber 104b spaced apart from each other in the width direction of pouch 101. Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment too, liquid storage chamber 103 is not arranged on one end 101a side of pouch 101, and liquid non-storage chamber 104 is not arranged on the other end 101b side of pouch 101. This will be explained in detail below.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11 , liquid pack 100E is provided with divider 105G and divider 105H. Divider 105G is located to the right of divider 105H and extends in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101. Divider 105H extends in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101 parallel to divider 105G. Divider 105G is located a predetermined distance from the center of pouch 101 in the width direction, and divider 105H is also located the same distance from the center of pouch 101 in the width direction. With this configuration, liquid storage chamber 103 is located between first liquid non-storage chamber 104a and second liquid non-storage chamber 104b in the width direction of pouch 101.

[0071] The first liquid non-reservoir chamber 104a is formed by the sealing portion 105 and the above-mentioned partition portion 105G. The second liquid non-reservoir chamber 104b is formed by the sealing portion 105 and the above-mentioned partition portion 105H. Furthermore, the liquid reservoir chamber 103 is formed by the partition portion 105G, the partition portion 105H, and the sealing portion 105.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, the air holes 107 include an air hole 107a disposed in front of the first liquid non-reservoir chamber 104a, and an air hole 107b disposed in front of the second liquid non-reservoir chamber 104b.

[0073] Like the liquid pack 100 of the first embodiment, the liquid pack 100E of this embodiment also allows the volume to be reduced without changing the external shape of the pouch 101 from the existing one, and also reduces the amount of lost liquid (lost ink).

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load exerted by partitions 105G and 105H on take-up roller 203 can be made uniform in the width direction, making it difficult for pouch 101 to twist when taken up by take-up roller 203. Furthermore, during take-up by take-up roller 203, air in first liquid non-reservoir chamber 104a tends to concentrate near air hole 107a, and air in second liquid non-reservoir chamber 104b tends to concentrate near air hole 107b. This makes it easier for air to be released to the outside through air holes 107a and 107b. This improves the efficiency of releasing air from first liquid non-reservoir chamber 104a and second liquid non-reservoir chamber 104b.

[0075] (Seventh embodiment) Next, a liquid pack 100F according to the seventh embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a plan view showing a liquid pack 100F according to the seventh embodiment.

[0076] Liquid pack 100F of this embodiment includes liquid storage chamber 103 and non-liquid storage chamber 104. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that liquid storage chamber 103 is located on one end 101a side of pouch 101, but not all of non-liquid storage chamber 104 is located on the other end 101b side of pouch 101. This will be explained in detail below.

[0077] 12, liquid pack 100F is provided with a divider 105I having a first extension portion 114 and a second extension portion 115 that extend in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101, and a connecting portion 116 that connects first extension portion 114 and second extension portion 115. First extension portion 114 of divider 105I is provided to the right of second extension portion 115 and is arranged parallel to second extension portion 115. First extension portion 114 is arranged at a position a predetermined distance from the center of pouch 101 in the width direction, and second extension portion 115 is also arranged at a position the same predetermined distance from the center of pouch 101 in the width direction.

[0078] The front end of the first extending portion 114 of the divider portion 105I is connected to the front portion of the sealing portion 105, and the rear end of the first extending portion 114 is connected to the right end of the connecting portion 116. The first extending portion 114 of the divider portion 105I extends from the front portion of the sealing portion 105 to approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of the pouch 101. Similarly, the front end of the second extending portion 115 of the divider portion 105I is connected to the front portion of the sealing portion 105, and the rear end of the second extending portion 115 is connected to the left end of the connecting portion 116. The second extending portion 115 of the divider portion 105I extends from the front portion of the sealing portion 105 to approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of the pouch 101.

[0079] With the above configuration, liquid non-storage chamber 104 has portion 104c located on the right side in the width direction and in the front region in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101, portion 104d located on the left side in the width direction and in the front region in the longitudinal direction of pouch 101, and portion 104e located in the rear region in the longitudinal direction. Liquid storage chamber 103 is formed by first extension portion 114, second extension portion 115, and connecting portion 116 of partition 105I, and is located between portion 104c and portion 104d of liquid non-storage chamber 104. With this configuration, portions 104c and 104d of liquid non-storage chamber 104 are located alongside liquid storage chamber 103 in the width direction of pouch 101.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 12, the air holes 107 include an air hole 107a arranged in front of the portion 104c of the liquid non-reservoir chamber 104, and an air hole 107b arranged in front of the portion 104d of the liquid non-reservoir chamber 104.

[0081] Like the liquid pack 100 of the first embodiment, the liquid pack 100F of this embodiment also allows the volume to be reduced without changing the external shape of the pouch 101 from the existing one, and also reduces the amount of lost liquid (lost ink).

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load exerted by partition 105I on take-up roller 203 can be made uniform in the width direction, making it difficult for pouch 101 to twist when taken up by take-up roller 203. Furthermore, during take-up by take-up roller 203, air in portion 104c of liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 tends to concentrate near air hole 107a, and air in portion 104d of liquid non-reservoir chamber 104 tends to concentrate near air hole 107b. This makes it easier for air to be released to the outside through air holes 107a and 107b. This improves the ability to release air from portions 104c and 104d of liquid non-reservoir chamber 104.

[0083] (Liquid pack manufacturing method) Next, a method for manufacturing the liquid pack 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the method for manufacturing the liquid pack 100.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 13, first, the peripheral portions SP of two films F1 and F2 are welded together to form a bag-shaped pouch 101 having an opening H1 communicating with the outside at one end 101a in the longitudinal direction of the pouch 101 (step S1).

[0085] Next, spout 102 is attached to opening H1 of pouch 101 by welding, and compartment 106 is formed in pouch 101 by spout 102 and sealing portion 105, which is the welded portion of two films F1 and F2 (step S2).

[0086] Next, two films F1 and F2 are partially welded together to form a partition 105A that divides the compartment 106 into a liquid storage compartment 103 at one longitudinal end 101a of the pouch 101 and a non-liquid storage compartment 104 at the other longitudinal end 101b (step S3). Next, air holes 107 are formed through the two films F1 and F2 in the portions of the two films F1 and F2 that correspond to the non-liquid storage compartment 104 (step S4). This completes the manufacture of the liquid pack 100. Thus, before the compartment 106 is divided by the partition 105A, the pouch 101 has a normal capacity, and after the compartment 106 is divided by the partition 105A, the pouch 101 has a small capacity. Therefore, pouches 101 with two different capacities can be easily manufactured, depending on whether or not the compartment 106 is divided by the partition 105A.

[0087] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the following configurations can be adopted.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the number of air holes 107 is one or two, but this is not limited to this and three or more air holes 107 may be provided as appropriate. In this case, the number of air holes 107 can be set taking into consideration the ability to release air to the outside.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pouch 101 is made up of two films F1 and F2, but this is not limitative and the pouch 101 may be made up of, for example, one film.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of using ink as the liquid is described, but this is not limited to this, and liquids that can be used in industrial fields, such as oil, fuel, liquids in which metal particles are dispersed for printing wiring patterns, detergents, and soft drinks may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F Liquid Pack 101 pouches 101a One end of the pouch 101b Other end of pouch 102 Spout 102a Flow path 102b Positioning part 103 Liquid storage chamber 103a A portion of the liquid storage chamber that is positioned next to the liquid non-storage chamber in the width direction 104 Liquid non-storage chamber 104a First liquid non-reservoir chamber 104b Second liquid non-reservoir chamber 104c, 104d: A portion of the liquid non-reservoir chamber that is positioned next to the liquid reservoir chamber in the width direction 105 Sealing part 105A, 105B, 105C, 105D, 105E, 105F, 105G, 105H, 105I Partition 106 Compartment 107, 107a, 107b Air vents 200 cartridge cases 203 Winding roller 203a Roller shaft 210 Winding mechanism F1, F2 film H1 opening HR Area from the partition to the diameter of the take-up roller HS pouch flat surface KB Partition that intersects with the roller shaft SB Sharp tip of partition SP film periphery TB1 One end of the partition TB2 Other end of partition

Claims

1. a pouch in which a liquid is stored; a spout connected to one end portion of the pouch in a predetermined direction and having a flow path through which the liquid flows; the pouch has a liquid storage chamber in which the liquid is stored and which is in communication with the flow path of the spout, a sealing portion which seals the periphery of the liquid storage chamber, and a liquid non-storage chamber which is separated from the spout by the liquid storage chamber and the sealing portion and in which the liquid is not stored; The pouch has an elongated shape, the predetermined direction is the longitudinal direction of the pouch, a partition portion that forms part of the sealing portion is provided between one end and the other end of the pouch in the longitudinal direction, the liquid storage chamber is disposed on the one end side of the pouch relative to the partition section, and the liquid non-storage chamber is disposed on the other end side of the pouch, The partition is formed by thermal welding, The pouch is provided with an air hole that connects the liquid non-reservoir chamber to the outside, A liquid pack detachably attached to a cartridge case having a pushing mechanism that applies force to the liquid storage chamber to push out the liquid, The pouch contacts the extrusion mechanism when the liquid pack is attached to the cartridge case.

2. The liquid pack according to claim 1 , wherein the extrusion mechanism is a winding mechanism that winds up the pouch.

3. the winding mechanism includes a winding roller having a roller shaft extending in a width direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the pouch, 3. The liquid pack according to claim 2, wherein the partition has a portion that intersects with the roller shaft in the extending direction of the partition when the liquid pack is attached to the cartridge case.

4. The pouch has a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction, the partition portion has a V-shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane, and has both end portions on both sides in a width direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the pouch, and a sharp portion sandwiched between the both end portions, The liquid pack according to claim 3 , wherein the pointed portion is closer to the other end of the pouch in the longitudinal direction than the opposite end portions.

5. the end portions on both sides include one end portion disposed on one side in the width direction and the other end portion disposed on the other side in the width direction, 5. The liquid pack according to claim 4, wherein the air holes include at least one of a first-side air hole arranged between the sharpened portion and the one end in the longitudinal direction, and a second-side air hole arranged between the sharpened portion and the other end in the longitudinal direction.

6. The liquid pack according to claim 3 , wherein the air holes are arranged in an area extending from the partition portion toward the other end to a diameter of the take-up roller.

7. The liquid pack is detachably attached to the cartridge case, The liquid pack according to claim 1 , wherein the spout protrudes from the pouch and includes a positioning portion for positioning the spout relative to the cartridge case.

8. the liquid is ink for a printer, The liquid pack according to claim 7 , wherein the cartridge case is detachable from a printer.

9. The pouch has an elongated shape, The liquid pack according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid storage chamber and the non-liquid storage chamber have portions that are positioned side by side in a width direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the pouch.

10. the liquid non-reservoir chamber includes a first liquid non-reservoir chamber and a second liquid non-reservoir chamber spaced apart in the width direction, The liquid pack according to claim 9, wherein the liquid storage chamber is located between the first non-liquid storage chamber and the second non-liquid storage chamber in the width direction.

11. The two films are welded together at their peripheries to form a bag-like pouch having an opening communicating with the outside at one end in a predetermined direction; a spout is attached to the opening of the pouch, whereby a compartment is formed in the pouch by the welded portion of the two films and the spout; the two films are partially welded together so as to partition the compartment into a liquid storage compartment at one end side of the pouch in the predetermined direction and a liquid non-storage compartment at the other end side in the predetermined direction; A method for manufacturing a liquid pack, comprising providing air holes penetrating the films in the portions of the two films corresponding to the liquid non-reservoir chambers.

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